Private Space Explorer Richard Garriott Inspires Student Artists

Alexandria, VA - Challenger Center for Space Science Education invites students to use their creativity to design an original piece of art for a student mission patch for private space explorer, Richard Garriott. As the next civilian to fly to space, Richard plans to engage students around the world before, during and after his flight to the International Space Station planned for October 2008.

The designs should symbolize the adventure and discovery of spaceflight. One design will be selected, and appear on both a patch and t-shirt, and all entries will appear on the Challenger Center website. This activity is open to the general public and all students are encouraged to participate. Please visit the national website at www.challenger.org to submit your design by May 15, 2008. Challenger Center will award the selected student with a certificate, patch and t-shirt with his/her design later this year. Richard plans to wear the winning design during his spaceflight in October.

Space exploration encompasses all facets of the human experience including our need for creative expression. Unlocking students' creativity is the beginning of a journey that inspires both ingenuity and imagination. Creativity inspired great minds to imagine space exploration; human ingenuity and innovation made it a reality. An artist in his own right, Richard will also create original art during his space mission, participating in a new traveling exhibition, called Zero-G Art, co-sponsored by the Messer-Martin families. He will demonstrate and create works of art that reflect both the emotional experience of being in space and the physical effects of zero gravity.

Challenger Center for Space Science Education was founded in 1986 by the families of the astronauts of the space shuttle Challenger 51-L mission. It is dedicated to the educational spirit of that mission and impacts over 300,000 students and 25,000 teachers each year. Challenger Learning Center programs at 50 centers around the world continue the crew's mission of engaging teachers and students in science, mathematics, engineering and technology. To locate a Challenger Learning Center near you, visit www.challenger.org.

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For program information, please contact:
Shannon Rush, Development and Communications Associate
Challenger Center for Space Science Education, Alexandria, VA
703-683-9740; srush@challenger.org

For more information about Zero Gravity Art, Inc., please contact:
Katy Andriano, Executive Assistant
Cross Commerce Media, Inc.
646-400-5011; kandriano@crosscommercemedia.com

If you are a member of the media and would like to request an interview with Richard Garriott, please contact:
Stacey Tearne, Space Adventures
703-894-2192, stearne@spaceadventures.com